[Source: AIPH] The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has reviewed upcoming International Horticultural Exhibitions, that falls under its approval, due to the COVID-19 pandemic repercussions. Considering the time it takes to prepare a high-quality A1 International Horticultural Exhibition and the difficulties in continuing preparations during the pandemic, AIPH has recommended that Expo 2021 Doha Qatar be moved to a future date.
With a theme focused on greening the desert and improving the environment, the Government of the State of Qatar has therefore agreed to postpone the Horticultural Expo which will now open in October 2023. The Horticultural Expo will be hosted at Al Bidda Park and is expected to attract millions of visitors in the context of climate water and soil being indispensable and scarce resources, in addition to a list of objectives that were set in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Commenting on the change, AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe says, “Although Expo preparations are well underway in Doha, it is necessary to postpone the opening to allow more time for international participants to visit Doha, select their locations and prepare the construction and activities they need. AIPH believe that this date change will ensure that the Expo can be delivered to the highest possible standards. This will be the first AIPH Expo to take place in the Middle East and we are very excited about what it will achieve to stimulate city greening and sustainable development in a desert region.”
The Minister of Municipality and Environment for the State of Qatar, His Excellency Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz Al Subai welcomed the revised dates and commented: “ Throughout the COVID – 19 Pandemic the State of Qatar implemented strategic measures to address the economic and social impact of the pandemic, having said that and as we recognise the severe impact of the pandemic globally, we welcome the revised dates suggested by the AIPH for the Horticultural Expo. The State of Qatar is always committed to delivering world-class events, and this will not change for the A1 World Horticultural Exhibition happening for the first time in our region. Qatar looks forward to welcoming the global horticultural sector to share knowledge and experience in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
As Expo 2021 Doha Qatar has been recognised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation in charge of Expos, the change of dates requires approval from the BIE’s 170 Member States. The Secretary General of the BIE Dimitri S. Kerkentzes indicated: “I welcome the AIPH’s recommendation and Qatar’s resolution to move Horticultural Expo 2021 Doha Qatar to 2023, and I am confident that the change in dates will be approved by our Member States. For the host country and all participating countries, the new dates will allow the necessary time to adjust and adapt their plans to ensure the Middle East’s first Horticultural Expo is a resounding success in 2023.”
The Secretary General of the Expo in Qatar Mr Mohamad Ali AL Khoury welcomed the decision of the AIPH and reiterated on the importance of hosting this event for the first time in the region by saying: “The State of Qatar has always been the hub for World Class International events, we are committed to delivering a one of a kind experience to the global community and the citizens of Qatar and the region. We are continually working to ensure the readiness of Qatar to host the A1 Horticultural Expo, and we will continue with these efforts to deliver a premier one of a kind event.”
International Horticultural Expos foster cooperation and knowledge sharing between countries addressing crucial issues related to healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable living, education and innovation.
Hosted in Qatar for the first time in the region, the A1 Horticultural Expo will last for six months starting October 2023. It will include participants representing countries and International Organisations as well as Cities, Companies, Civil Society and NGOs.
For more information about International Horticultural Expos visit http://aiph.org/
Tag: Qatar
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Doha to host International Horticultural Expo in 2023
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Exclusive: Prospect of moving Olympics to winter for Qatar “pure speculation at this point” – IOC
Qatar is in formal talks with the International Olympic Committee about the possibility of hosting a future Summer Olympic Games, but the question of moving the event to a different time of year is “pure speculation”, the IOC told Host City.
Qatar is one of eleven prospective hosts in talks with the IOC about future Summer Olympic Games.
Following an IOC Executive Board Meeting in which climate-driven changes to future Winter Games host city selection were discussed, Host City asked the IOC if it would consider allowing a Summer Olympic Games in the winter months to enable a bid from the Middle East.
“This would be pure speculation at this point in time,” the IOC Media Relation office said in an email.
The rules regarding the months in which the Games can take place have not changed in nearly 20 years.
“As per an IOC Executive Board decision in 2003, and as clearly stated in the Future Host Questionnaire for the Olympic Games, the duration of the competitions of the Olympic Games shall not exceed sixteen days and the dates of the Olympic Summer Games shall be chosen within the period: 15 July to 31 August,” the IOC explained.
“The final dates for the holding of the Games, including the number of days of competition and the scheduling of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games, is decided by the IOC in consultation with the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG).”
The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Qatar is one of 11 NOCs from four continents interested in hosting the Olympic Games, either in Continuous Dialogue or informal exchange with the IOC.
The NOC of Qatar are taking part in Continuous Dialogue with the IOC. “These discussions are not linked to a particular year or edition of the Games and there is no longer a fixed election cycle, as in the past,” the IOC said.
The next Summer Games for which a host has not yet been confirmed is 2036, following Paris 2024, LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
The Qatari capital of Doha previously bid for the 2016 Games, under the slogan “Celebrating Change.” This bid did not make it to the Candidature phase, and Qatar turned its attention to a successful bid for the FIFA World Cup, which was moved to take place outside summer months for the first time – although organisers claimed it could have taken place any time of year.
Although the bidding procedure for the Olympic Games has changed significantly since then, further changes would be required to enable the Games to be hosted at a different time of year.
“Since Olympic Agenda 2020 and the subsequent reforms of the New Norm, the IOC has adopted a new, flexible approach to electing Olympic Hosts, which considers carefully the local context and future plans for the region. All potential hosts must demonstrate sustainability and legacy at the heart of their Games proposal, which should align with long term socio-economic development plans for their region or country,” the IOC told Host City.